Introduction to law for engineers

Are you studying natural sciences in the broadest sense, but are you also interested in legal issues, as you are aware that these will also be relevant to your future career? Do you know that you will almost inevitably have to familiarise yourself with legal requirements and, if necessary, be able to communicate with lawyers? You don't want to have to say to yourself in court or to the supervisory authority: "I wish I'd known that beforehand!"

Then come to the "Introduction to Law for Engineers" course organised by the Faculty of Law. In addition to the basics of applying the law, the following content will be taught:

Fundamentals of private law

Here you will learn the basics of private law, e.g:

  • How can a contract be legally concluded or cancelled, e.g. if you have made a mistake or been deceived?
  • What are the requirements and consequences of effective representation?
  • What is a contractual obligation and what are the prerequisites and consequences of a so-called default, e.g. compensation for damages?
  • What are types of contracts; what are the special features of sales contracts and contracts for work and labour?
  • When are you liable for a so-called unauthorised act and when can you exonerate yourself?
  • What are ownership and possession and how do you acquire, transfer and lose them?

Fundamentals of public law

You will learn about public law, in particular

  • What are the foundations of our legal system and the state organisation of the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the state of Lower Saxony?
  • What do fundamental rights (in particular the Basic Law) and fundamental freedoms (EU) protect and under what conditions can they be restricted?
  • What is an administrative act, how can a government legally issue and, in particular, enforce it?
  • How can you take legal action against decisions by a public authority that are unfavourable to you or sue for a favourable decision?

Continuing courses

The content of the course can be deepened in particular as part of the module Technology Law (with the courses "Technology Law" and "Technology Law in Practice"). If you are particularly interested, please refer to the in-depth courses Selected Topics of Private Law (in particular Commercial, Corporate and Labour Law) and Selected Topics of Public Law (in particular Commercial, Construction, Environmental and Business Law).

Further Information

The course is offered in both the winter and summer semesters. It can be taken in various degree programmes as part of the studium generale. It comprises 2 SWS and 3 ECTS can be earned with a 90-minute written examination. Please note: There is also intensive exam preparation - and repeatedly 100% of students have already passed the exam - so take up the challenge!

Please note that the course is only offered in German and is taught in a specialised language.